"Dehydration can occur at any age, but it is most dangerous for babies, small children, and older adults."
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Peter Baar, PA-C is a Certified Physician Assistant at Mecosta Health Services, Big Rapids. He assists Family Practice Physicians Dr. Wright, Dr. VanderHill, Dr. Foster, and Dr. Macdonald.
Call (231) 796-3200 for an appointment. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the hospital web site at www.mcmcbr.com
Guidelines based on MSN's Health and Fitness section-content by Healthwise |
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Hot Summer and Dehydration
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Dehydration occurs when your body loses too much fluid. When you stop drinking water or lose large amounts of fluid through diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, or strenuous exercise, your body's cells absorb fluid from the blood and other body tissues. When you are not drinking enough fluids, your muscles begin to get tired and you may have leg cramps or feel faint. By the time you become severely dehydrated, there is no longer enough fluid in the body to get blood to your organs. You may begin to go into shock, a life threatening condition. Dehydration can occur at any age, but it is most dangerous for babies, small children, and older adults.
Babies and small children have an increased risk of dehydration because::
- A large portion of theirbodies consist of water.
- Children have a high metabolic rate, so their bodies use more water.
- A child's kidneys are not as effective and do not conserve water as well as an adult.
- They have an immature immune system, which increases the risk of illness that cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Children often will not drink or eat when they are not feeling well. They depend on their caregivers to provide them with food and fluid.
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Older adults have an increased risk of dehydration because they:
- Have a decreased thirst sensation and often don't feel the urge to drink.
- May have kidneys that do not work effectively.
- May have physical problems, such as arthritis, which may interfere with their ability to hold a glass, or painful to get up from a chair.
- May take medications that increase the risk of Dehydration.
Watch babies, small children, and older adults closely for the early signs of dehydration any time they have illnesses that cause high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. The early symptoms of dehydration are:
- A dry mouth and sticky Saliva.
- Reduced urine output with yellow urine.
Prevention tips to help you prevent dehydration:
- During hot weather drink 8 to 10 glasses of water.
- Encourage your child to drink extra fluids or suck on popsicles.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and colas.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks. They increase dehydration and make it difficult to make good decisions.
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- Do not take salt tablets. Most people get plenty of salt in their diets. Use a sports drink if you are worried about replacing minerals lost through sweating.
- Stop working outdoors or exercising at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue.
- Wear one layer of lightweight, light-colored clothing when you are working or exercising outdoors. Replace sweat-saturated clothing with dry clothing as soon as you can. Never exercise in a rubber suit, which can accelerate dehydration and raise body temperature to dangerously high levels.
If you have any questions about your health, always check with your healthcare provider.
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